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THE ØSTERDALEN STORY
Legendary Skiers save the Norwegian Prince.
The official sweater for the 2004 Norwegian National Ski Teams, Østerdalen, is based on the most inspirational story from Norwegian history – deeds of valor and strength by two skiers as they risked their own lives to deliver the future Norwegian king to safety.
At the beginning of the 13th Century, several political factions were struggling for power in Norway. One of these groups, the Birkebeinerne, was led by King Haakon Sverresøn and controlled most of southern Norway.
Haakon Sverresøn was killed in combat on New Year's Day, 1204 shortly before his son, Haakon Haakonsøn, was born. As a potential pretender to the throne, the newborn prince was in great danger and it was decided he should be taken to safety in Trondheim.
The Birkebeiner people sent their two finest skiers, Torstein Skjevla and Skjervald Skrukka, to accompany the child on his trip. They arrived in Lillehammer on Christmas Eve 1205 and took shelter at a small farm. The easiest route from Lillehammer would have been through the Gudbrandsdalen valley. Fearing enemies, however, the two legendary skiers chose to climb the mountain where they faced dreadful weather before arriving to safety and the Østerdalen valley. Farmers there helped them on to their final destination.
Birkebeiners were often in such dire need that they literally had nothing but birch bark to use as footwear. The word "birkebeiner," meaning "birch leg," has come to refer to a man who is strong in times of adversity and never daunted by any trial or hardship.
Haakon Haakonsøn became the new king and ended the civil war. During King Haakon Haakonsøn's reign, Norway experienced a golden age during the Middle Ages.
 The two skiers represented on the sleeves of the Østerdalen 2004 design are among Norway's greatest heroes. Their courage and heroic deeds have been set as examples for Norwegian youth ever since. Every year more than 10,000 skiers participate in a competition commemorating this event. Each of the participants in this event carries a pack weighing 7.7 pounds (3.5 kilograms) representing the 18-month old prince.
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